I live near a west facing bluff where our native oak, Quercus garryana, grows. They thrive on sunny, well-drained slopes. I enjoy looking into their craggy canopies as I walk along the top of the bluff. I’ve wanted to sketch one of these impressive trees for awhile, so decided that this months’ entry for the […]
Sketchbook–Monkeyflower
June 23, 2016 by · 4 Comments
While hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I have become enamored with Monkeyflowers (Mimulus), after all they have such brightly colored flowers and a fun name too. I like plants with personality! When I saw this Monkeyflower in the native plant section of the nursery I snatched it up so I could study it more closely. […]
Starting a New Project, part 1
June 12, 2016 by · 9 Comments
Lately I’ve been a captive of fading leaves and withering petals–trying to use every minute to get them drawn and studied for a painting before they are totally gone. Drawings, color studies, and reference photos take precedence over anything that can be postponed during that brief period when the cuttings remain fresh. When they’re not […]
Sketchbook–A Wild Rose
May 23, 2016 by · 6 Comments
One of the benefits of sketching the Nootka Rose was breathing in its rich fragrance as I worked. As roses go, it’s pretty demure, but the aroma is world class! Choice of Pigments The rose’s leaves had just unfurled and were a lovely fresh green, so I mixed the bright pigments, W&N Winsor Blue Green […]
Big Leaf Maple Returns
May 5, 2016 by · 13 Comments
Some of you may remember this Acer macrophyllum leaf I started…gulp…well over a year ago! I put the painting away to work on some other projects, and the dried leaf has been patiently waiting all this time, hanging from a ‘third hand’ device on my table! Luckily a gentle blow every now and again has […]
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).